Clinical Validation

The doctor didn't look at the clock once.

He said the word 'visible' and tapped the chart,

and the knot in my stomach finally started to part.

He didn't call it nerves or say I was out of line;

he simply wrote down a brand new design.

I sat on the edge of the table and let out a breath,

the sanitary paper crinkling like dry leaves beneath.

It’s a strange kind of relief to be told you are breaking,

that the pain in your side isn't something you're making.